Director Jud's Blog

After a five-year hiatus, Dirt Fest returned to Raystown Lake on May 9–11, 2025—and let me tell you, it felt like coming home.

This is Jud Millar, and I’m the Camp Director at Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA), a teen summer camp nestled right here in Central PA. From 2010 to 2020, SMA had the incredible opportunity to host a booth at the Dirt Fest Expo each spring. Over the years, we built lasting connections, met countless amazing families, and even created traditions that still live in SMA legend today. We hosted the annual Kids and Teen Ride, giving young riders a fun and confidence-building intro to the Allegrippis Trails. One year, we even set up a youth bike track with features right next to the Visitor Center—parents could drop their kids off while they hit the trails, knowing their kids were having just as much fun.

Dirt Fest was always more than just a biking festival. It was a celebration of community, adventure, and a shared love for the outdoors. For us at SMA, it became a place where many kids—and their parents—discovered our camp for the first time. They fell in love with the trails, the people, the energy, and eventually became a part of our camp family.

But then, in 2020, Dirt Rag Magazine—the original founders of Dirt Fest—shut down, and with it, the festival faded away.

From Dirt Fest to Raystown Bike Fest... and Back Again!

After the closure of Dirt Rag, a passionate group of locals refused to let the festival spirit die. The Friends of Raystown Lake stepped in to keep the tradition alive, launching a new version of the event called Raystown Bike Fest. Though it had a new name, the heart of the festival remained the same: a celebration of riding, trails, and community centered around the incredible Allegrippis Trail System. For several years, Raystown Bike Fest carried the torch—and then in 2025, something amazing happened: they got the Dirt Fest name back! With new energy, new leadership, and the same beloved location, Dirt Fest officially returned—and it felt like a true homecoming.

Dirt Fest 2025: A New Chapter with Familiar Faces

Thanks to the amazing work of Friends of Raystown Lake, the festival was reborn in full force this May.

A huge shoutout goes to Emil Eklund and Harry Biddle, the new owners of Rothrock Outfitters (our awesome local bike and paddle shop in Huntingdon). They stepped up to lead the charge, and what’s extra special to us at SMA is that both are Juniata College alumni—and Harry is a former SMA camper! Seeing our alumni step into leadership roles in the outdoor world is just incredible.

Of course, SMA had a booth at the Expo once again, and it was like a reunion! While we didn’t manage to snap a group photo (we were too busy having fun), a handful of former SMA counselors were in attendance, including:

• Matt “Redbeard” Marsden
• Drew “Dunk” Dunkelberger
• Matt “Flat Matt” Dryer
• …and of course, Harry Biddle, Dirt Fest co-organizer!

It was a beautiful thing to see so many familiar faces and passionate people all back in one place, reconnecting over bikes, beer, and trails.

One of the most meaningful parts of the weekend for me personally was having my son Wyatt there. He helped me man the SMA booth at the Expo, chatting with families, handing out stickers, and representing camp with heart and humor. But even better—we got to ride! Wyatt joined up with Matt “Flat Matt” Dryer for an unforgettable mountain bike adventure on the Allegrippis Trails. It was a true full circle moment. Wyatt had attended Dirt Fest with me as a little kid, tagging along and soaking in the energy of the trails and the SMA crew. And now, here he was—a rising Assistant Outdoor Program (AOP) leader at SMA this

New Families, New Campers?

One of the best parts of the weekend was getting to meet new families—many of whom had never been to Raystown Lake before. Their eyes lit up when they saw the beauty of the Allegrippis Trail System and the spirit of the festival. We had wonderful conversations, swapped trail stories, and shared what makes SMA special. We hope many of their kids will become the next generation of SMA campers!

Here is a video from SMA Dirtfest Teen and Youth Ride from 2016!!

Grateful, Inspired, and Ready for Next Year

Dirt Fest 2025 was everything we hoped it would be: a joyful reunion, an outdoor celebration, and a hopeful sign of more to come. It reminded us why we love this region, this sport, and this community. To Emil, Harry, and the Friends of Raystown Lake—thank you for bringing the magic back.

We’ll see you all on the trails—and at the next Dirt Fest!

With excitement and gratitude,
Jud Millar
Camp Director, Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA)